Collapsible dye spring or the like

ABSTRACT

A collapsible dye spring or the like described and claimed herein suitable for use for winding textile yarn thereon and dyeing same while the spring is in a partially collapsed condition. In the collapsed condition, adequate and uniform dye flow from the inside of the tube outwardly is permitted to evenly dye the yarn wound thereon. A tube having terminal flanges or rings is provided with at least one continuous helical lead of a predetermined pitch extending between and joining the flanges. The helical lead is flexible and is provided with means along its length to rigidify the tube and limit the axial compression of same. In the preferred form of the spring, a plurality of helical leads of predetermined pitches extend continuously from the first ring to the second ring with a plurality of generally perpendicularly disposed members connecting the leads along the length of the helices, the perpendicular disposition being with respect to the rings and not the leads. Also the members connecting the leads may have additional material surrounding same that tapers quickly into the lead outwardly from the perpendicular member.

nited StatesPatent [191 Burchette, Jr.

[ COLLAPSIBLE DYE SPRING OR THE LIKE [76] Inventor: Robert L. Burchette,Jr., 570 El Paso St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303 [22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1972[21] Appl. No.: 317,130

[52] US. Cl. 242/ll8.11 [51] Int. Cl B6511 75/20 [58] Field of Search242/118.1l, 118.1, 118.2;

Primary ExaminerStanley N. Gilreath Attorney, Agent, or Firm-WellingtonM. Manning, Jr.

[111 3,827,652 [451 Aug. 6, 1974 [5 7] ABSTRACT A collapsible dye springor the like described and claimed herein suitable for use for windingtextile yarn thereon and dyeing same while the spring is in a partiallycollapsed condition. In the collapsed condition, adequate and uniformdye flow from the inside of the tube outwardly is permitted to evenlydye the yarn wound thereon. A tube having terminal flanges or rings isprovided with at least one continuous helical lead of a predeterminedpitch extending between and joining the flanges. The helical lead isflexible and is provided with means along its length to rigidify thetube and limit the axial compression of same. In the preferred form ofthe spring, a plurality of helical leads of predetermined pitches extendcontinuously from the first ring to the second ring with a plurality ofgenerally perpendicularly disposed members connecting the leads alongthe length of the helices, the perpendicular disposition being withrespect to the rings and not the leads. Also the members connecting theleads may have additional material surrounding same that tapers quicklyinto the lead outwardly from the perpendicular member.

17 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAUG elm 3.827.652

' sumzors' SHEET 3 BF 5 PATENTEDAUG 61874 "Flea BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Dye springs have been utilized for many years as cores onwhich textile yarn is wound for dyeing. Though the generic terminologydye spring is utilized, it should be pointed out that the terminology isintended to refer not only helical springs of stainless steel and thelike, but also various and sundry dye tubes that serve as cores fortextile yarn and are thereafter received on a dye spindle or the like ina pressurized vessel where dyestuff passes upwardly through the insideof the core and diffuses outwardly through the yarn wound thereon.

Various attempts have been made to improve dye springs in the sense ofproducing a spring or tube that does not require the use of a filterpaper sleeve received between the core and the yarn wound thereon. Ithas generally been determined, however, that for proper diffusion ofdyestuff through the yarn, the filter paper sleeve is greatly preferred.In this sense, certain dye tubes that may or may not be collapsible inan axial direction have heretofore been produced where contentions weremade that the tubes would not require the use of the filter papersleeve. Yet, for the best utilization of the tube, use of the filterpaper has prevailed so as to preclude the passage of globs of dyestuffthrough a particular portion of the tube.

Furthermore, it has been determined that a collapsible dye tube may beprovided which, when wound with yarn and placed in the dye kettle, maybe collapsed or axially compressed by a limited amount so as to enable agreater quantity of yarn to be placed in the dye kettle during oneparticular dyeing operation. Stainless steel dye springs have beenutilized for this particular purpose as have springs and tubes of othermaterials.

Certain problems exist with respect to the stainless steel dye springsand to variations of same. Such disadvantageous problems involve thecapital expenditure required for maintaining an adequate supply of thecores, and the reworking, cleaning and the like of the cores so as toenable them to be reused, to mention a few. In view of thesecharacteristics, effort has further been expended in the area ofproduction of a molded collapsible dye spring that is disposable after asingle use. In other words, once the dye spring has been wound with yarnand the yarn dyed, the yarn is wound off the tube and the tube isdiscarded. These efforts likewise have not proved completelysatisfactory due to the cost of the tubes, the unsuccessful collapse ofsame, inability to properly wind yarn onto the tubes and the like.

The present invention provides yet another improvement in the area ofcollapsible dye tubes or dye springs. A definite improvement over theprior art is found in the present dye spring which may be manufacturedsufficiently economically to enable successful commercialization and useof same. Thereafter, instead of reusing the tube, the tube is discardedand new tubes are substituted therefor. The present dye spring may besuccessfully wound on all type winders which heretofore presentedsomewhat of a problem due to, different means of handling the tubes oncertain of the various winders. Further, the degree of collapse may becontrolled to achieve desired limits.

Due to the structure of the present tube, other uses are also availableoutside the textile industry. For example, the tubes may be employed incertain other environs as springs, shock absorbers or the like.

The present invention is neither taught nor suggested by the prior art.Exemplary of the prior art are US. Pat. Nos. 974,127 to Daniel] et al;1,367,934 to Winslow; 2,158,889 to Annicq; 2,171,890 to Precourt;2,818,222 to Scholl; 2,844,333 to Davidson; 3,465,984 to Tigges et al;3,561,697 to Egyptien; 3,563,491 to l-Iahm et al; and 3,647,156 toHenning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention toprovide a molded tubular element that is capable of axial compressionwith substantially no transverse dimensional changes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improveddisposable, collapsible dye spring.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improveddye spring that may be collapsed a limited degree when received in apressurized dye vessel and pressure is applied thereon in an axialdirection.

Generally speaking, the tubular element of the present inventioncomprises a plurality of annular flanges, at least one helical leadhaving a predetermined pitch being connected between said flanges andjoining same, and means for rigidifying and limiting compression of theelement in an axial direction.

More specifically, the tubular element of the present invention in oneof its most preferred forms comprises an annular flange at each end ofthe element with two flexible helical leads being secured between theflanges and integral therewith, said leads having a predetermined likepitch and extending along the length of the tubular element parallel toeach other. A plurality of members are integral with the leads, joiningsame, said members being angularly disposed with respect to the leadsand perpendicular with respect to the end flanges of the tubularelement. The members accomplished a dual purpose, in that, they rigidifythe tubular element in an axial direction while also limiting the degreeof axial compression to which the element may be subjected.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, reverse leads may besecured to the annular flanges and extend along the length of theelement, the leads being secured to each other at their crossing pointsand most preferably integral with each other at the crossing points. Thetwo helical leads, one being reversed with respect to the other, thusprovide a further means for rigidifying the element while simultaneouslyacting as a limit means for determining the extent which the element maybe compressed in the axial direction. In certain circumstances, too muchcompression is realized using the reverse lead technique. It may thus bepreferable to also utilize a plurality of vertical posts along thelengths of the reverse leads which further limit the degree to which theelement may be compressed. Still further, insofar as the reverse leadsare concerned, a plurality of leads may be provided in each direction.

The tubular element of the present invention may further be providedwith intermediate annular flanges along its length with the helicalleads being secured to adjacent flanges so as to provide a unitarystructure along the entire length of the tubular element. In thismanner, axial compression may be controlled by differing amounts alongdifferent segments of the element if desired.

The leads utilized in manufacturing the tubular element of the presentinvention preferably are generally trapezoidal in cross section whilethe rigidifying members preferably are generally triangular. As such, agreater resistance to axial and transverse compression are experiencedalong with better moldability of the dye tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of atubular element according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tube of FIG. 1 shown in acompressed state.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the tube of FIG. 1 takenalong a line IIIIII.

FIG. 4 is a partial cut away view of the tube of FIG. 1 in verticalcross section showing a preferred cross sectional shape of the helicalleads.

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of a tubular element accordingto the present invention showing a further embodiment thereof.

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of the helical leads and rigidifyingmembers of a tubular element according to the present invention showinga further embodiment thereof.

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of yet another embodiment ofthe tubular element of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of a portion of the tube illustrated in FIG. 7,showing a compression guide modification thereto.

FIG. 9 is a partial view of the tube as illustrated in FIG. 1, showing acompression guide modification thereto.

FIG. 10 is a cut away view of a helical lead showing a filter paperholding means thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the Figures,preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of thetubular element of the present invention that may be employed as a corearound which textile strand may be wound for dyeing. Such cores arecommonly referred to as dye springs, dye tubes and the like. The coregenerally indicated as 10 is provided with a pair of annular end flanges12 and 13 and has at least one helical lead positioned between endflanges l2 and 13 and secured thereto. At least one helical lead 20 isthus secured to end flange 12 and follows a helical path of apredetermined pitch downwardly to and is connected to end flange 13. Endflanges 12 and 13 are of sufficient dimensions as to size, width andlength so as to be suitably accepted by a textile strand winder wherebyyarn may be properly wound around the dye tube. Flanges 12 and 13 arefurther preferably circular in shape, though other shapes areacceptable. Likewise, the helical lead 20 is designed to have apredetemined pitch, size and cross section. Performance characteristicsof lead 20 are instrumental in winding from a rigidity standpoint, indyeing from a rigidity and compressibility standpoint and in moldingfrom an ease of moldability standpoint. Leads 20 may be designed toavoid the use of filter paper around the dye tube. In this light,

the higher the lead angle or the greater the pitch of leads 20, the lessyarn there is entrapped during compression of the tube.

Lead 20 or leads 20, if a plurality are employed, have rigidificationmeans disposed therealong, illustrated as members 30 in FIG. 1. Members30 are disposed generally perpendicular to flanges 12 and 13 andangualrly with respect to lead 20. As such, axial compression of tube 10occurs with only minimal, if any, lateral or transverse movement of lead20. Perpendicular members 30 are themselves rigid and thus rigidify tube10 in the axial direction and likewise insure against complete blockageof open spaces 35 during compression as may best be seen in FIG. 2. Notealso that in the embodiment of FIG. 1, perpendicular members 30 arestaggered along the helix of lead 20, which aids in proper collapse oftube 10 by precluding lateral movement of lead 20.

Since the dye tube of the present invention is primarily designed to bedisposable after a single use, economics of manufacture are of primeimportance. Injection molding of a suitable plastic composition is thuspreferred for manufacture of the instant tube. All of the elements oftube 10 are thus preferably integral. Lead 20 thus moves outwardly fromflange 12, following a helical path of a predetermined outside diameter,corresponding substantially to the outside diameter of flange 12. Thehelical configuration continues outwardly until lead 20 meets the nextadjacent flange.

One particular dye tube of the present invention is 6% inches long, hasa 1% inch inside diameter and utilizes two parallel leads 20 having apitch of 0.690 (extending 0.690 inch per 360). Perpendicular members arestaggered along lead 20 at approximately 1% inch spacing on centers.This particular tube is designed for up to approximately 1% inch maximumcompression in the dye vessel. Various winding and dyeing operations,however, require different tube dimensions and characteristics. Lead 20may thus be designed according to size, cross section, pitch and numberto produce a dye tube having the requisite qualities.

According to the tube embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a single lead 20 isprovided. The figures show the various embodiments on the face only. Theopposite side of the tubes would have a like appearance as the front andis thus not shown to simplify the drawings. Likewise, a plurality ofleads 20 having pitch in the same direction would assume an appearanceof that shown in FIG. 1. Where plural leads 20 are employed, theindividual leads originate at different locations around flange 12 andfollow parallel paths along the length of tube 10. Perpendicular members30 on a single lead tube are connected to adjacent passes of the leadwhereas on a plural lead tube, members 30 are connected betweenseparate, parallel, adjacent leads. It should further be pointed outthat the tubes of the present invention are not restricted to onlysingle or double leads, but any number of leads may be employed so longas the requisite qualities of the tube are met.

According to the tube embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where a plurality ofleads 20 are provided, each lead will originate at a separate segment ofthe flanges and will proceed with like pitches in helical patternsaxially outwardly therefrom to be joined at the next flange. The leadsare thus parallel and vertical members 30 are secured between adjacentleads. Hence, for both a single lead and plural lead elements, verticalmembers 30 are secured to the next adjacent portion of a helix. Thesemembers are staggered around the overall length of the helices and thuspermit uniform axial compression of tubular member 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular element is in the compressed conditionas would normally be found subsequent to use of same as a dye spring. Inthe collapsed condition, note that lead abuts adjacent leads near theareas where members are provided. In the staggered relationship thisleaves a plurality of openings around the circumference and along thelength of tubular element 10. Openings 35 are necessary so as to permitthe flow of dyestuff from the inside of the dye springs 10 outwardly asis indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3 where the dyestuff diffusesthroughout the yarn wrapped therearound in a uniform fashion. A furthermodification to a dye tube is also shown in FIG. 3 to foster dyestuffcirculation. A plurality of notches 41 are shown in phantom around lead20. Notches 41 extend axially through lead 20 providing bettercommunication across lead 20 and thus permit a better flow of dyestuffalong the lead path.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it should be pointed out that the crosssectional configuration of leads 20 preferably is generally trapezoidalin shape. The generally trapezoidal shape affords additional strengthand stability to the dye spring and very importantly, aids in the easeof moldability of the product by an injection molding process. Likewise,vertical members 30 that afford the axial rigidity and limit thecollapsibility of the dye spring 10 are preferably triangular in shapeas shown in FIG. 3. The triangular shape again affords additionalstrength and fosters moldability of the product.

FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5,a dye spring generally indicated as 110 is shown having a terminalflange 112 with a lead 120 being secured thereto and extending outwardlytherefrom in the form of a helix. An intermediate flange 112' is alsoshown along the length of dye spring 110 with lead 120 terminating onone side thereof. On the opposite side of flange 112', a further lead120 is secured thereto and extends outwardly in the form of a helix. Assuch, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the dyespring may include at least one additional intermediate flange betweenthe terminal flanges of the tube. Such flanges could be utilized tobetter control the transverse rigidity with respect to the dye tubealong with the axial rigidity and compressibility.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. Leads220 may be modified in thickness along predetermined portions of theirlengths so as to better control the collapsibility characteristics ofthe dye tube. As shown in FIG. 6, leads 220 have members 230 angularlydisposed with respect thereto in the same fashion as shown in FIGS. l-5.Further, material has been added by way of fillets 225 adjacent thejunctions between members 230 and leads 220 on the sides thereof. Assuch, a thinner lead 220 may be employed while building up the areaaround members 230 whereby the collapsing characteristics of the dyetube are improved for the thinner lead.

.FIG. 7 illustrates yet further embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 7 shows one end of a dye tube generally indicated as 310 having anend flange 312 and a pair of helical leads 320 and 322, said leads beingopposite each other in the direction of the helices and being connectedto each other at each point of crossing 324. Preferably, as with theother-tubular members of the present invention, thetubular element 310is an integral structure having been molded from a plastic compositionsuch as a polypropylene so as to withstand dye temperatures withoutsubstantial distortion. In this sense, leads 320 and 322 are integralwith the flanges of dye tube 310 and are likewise integral at theircrossing points 324 so as to define a unitary structure. Crossing points324 of tubular member 310 add rigidity to the overall structure. Duringcollapse of the structure, while the degree of collapse may becontrolled by the pitch of the leads, the dimensions of the leads andthe like, if sufficient pressure is applied from an axial direction, thetube will collapse to the point where openings 325 between the leads aresubstantially closed which, in turn, would preclude sufficient passageof dyestuff therethrough to dye the yarn wound therearound. As such, afurther embodiment of the present invention utilizes a plurality ofposts 328 (shown in phantom) secured at crossing points 324 of leads 320and 322 and extending upwardly therefrom, said posts being secured atone end thereof and free at an opposite end thereof. Posts 328 will thusengage the lower portion 324 of crossing points 324 during collapse oftube 310 so as to prevent further collapse after contact is madetherewith. The length of posts 328 may be varied so as to control thedegree of axial collapse of tubular element 310.

Posts 328 of FIG. 7 may be further modified as shown in FIG. 8. Amatching post 329 may be secured to the underside 324 of an adjacentcross point 324. Modified post 328 is provided with a slot 328 whilepost 329 is provided with a protuberance329' that is receivable in slot328'. During collapse of the dye tube, match up of protuberance 329'with slot 328' will insure a proper axial compression without anysubstantial transverse distortion. This modification could also be madeto the dye tube illustrated in FIGS. l-5.

An arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 8 is illustrated in FIG. 9.A tube 10 as shown in FIG. 1 may be modified to insure correct collapse,normally perpendicular members 30 are staggered. The inside or outsideof lead 20 and members 30 have channels or slots 21 and 31 respectively.A further post 32 may be secured to the underside of lead 20 and dependtherefrom, terminating just short of the next adjacent lead 20, justover channels 21 and 31 of member 30. The entry to channel 21 of lead 20may be provided with guide means 21 to properly receive post 32 thereinand preclude against movement away from channels 21 and 31. Post 32 willthus insure proper collapse of tube 10 without transverse movement andwill also limit the amount of collapse. It should further be pointed outthat the modifications illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be usedinterchangeably with the tubes of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 7 and 10, further modifications to the dye tube ofthe present invention will be discussed. Filter paper that is wrappedaround a dye tube is generally adhesively secured to itself to form asleeve or is provided as a sleeve. Winding of initial yarn onto thepaper and around the tube sometimes causes the paper sleeve to moveslightly. Such movement of course presents difficulty in handling andmay leave an area of the tube uncovered which will permit substantialdye flow therethrough. FIGS. 3, 7 and 10 illustrate means that may beemployed to hold filter paper in place until the base winds of yarn areproduced. In FIG. 3, slots 21 which are used for dye passage acrossleads 20 may receive paper therein. Forcing of paper into slots 21 willprovide the initial holding process for same. In FIG. 7, a peripherallyextending flange 312 is shown in phantom. Flange 312 will abut thefilter paper and prevent unwanted movement thereof. Flange 312' may beprovided at both ends of the dye tube and may be continuous ordiscontinuous around the periphery of flange 312. FIG. illustrates yetanother paper holding means. Leads 20 may be pushed out slightly alongportions of the outer edge at 26 and have one or more pointed members 27protruding therefrom. The filter paper P may then be impaled in members27 and precluded against movement. Pointed members 27 may be providedalong the length of the tube as desired, and should not extend outwardlyto the point where they interfere with the winding operation.

As mentioned above, it is preferred that the tubular elements of thepresent invention be integral, resulting from injection molding of aplastic composition so as to provide the dye tube with desired shape anddimensions. Furthermore, as stated above, a desired material when thetubular member is utilized as a dye tube is a plastic composition suchas a polypropylene that will withstand the dyeing temperaturesexperienced, somewhere in the neighborhood of 280 to 300F. Insofar asultimate use is concerned, however, the tubular elements of the presentinvention may also be employed as shock absorbers, springs, and thelike. Moreover, the modifications discussed herein may be usedinterchangeably with all of the dye tubes according to the presentinvention.

Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that oneskilled in the art will be able to make variations and modificationsthereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly,the scope of the present invention should be determined only by theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. An axially compressible tubular element comprisa. a pair of annularflanges;

b. a helical lead received between said flanges; and

c. a plurality of members received along said lead,

said members being secured at opposite ends to adjacent helical portionsof said lead, said members being substantially perpendicular to saidflanges, said members further being spaced apart in both axial andhelical directions, whereby each member is spaced apart from alladjacent members, and said element is capable of limited axialcompression.

2. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid flanges are end flanges.

3. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid lead is thickened adjacent said members and tapers downwardly awayfrom said members.

4. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid lead is generally trapezoidal in cross section.

5. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid element is molded and all portions thereof are integral.

6. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1comprising further filter paper holding means secured to said element.

7. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1 whereinguide means are provided to preclude radial movement during compression.

8. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 7 whereinsaid guide means comprise axial slots in certain of said members andlead adjacent thereto and a post receivable in said slots uponcompression of said element.

9. An axially compressible tubular element comprismg:

a. a pair of annular end flanges and at least one intermediate annularflange;

b. at least one helical lead being received between each to adjacentflanges, whereby each intermediate flange has at least one lead securedto opposite sides thereof; and

c. a plurality of members received along each lead,

said members being secured at opposite ends to adjacent helical leadportions, said members being substantially perpendicular to saidflanges, said members further being spaced apart in both axial andhelical directions whereby each member is spaced apart from all adjacentmembers and said element is capable of limited axial compression.

10. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 9wherein said element is of integral construction.

11. axially compressible tubular element comprising:

a. a pair of annular flanges;

b. a plurality of helical leads received between said flanges; and

c. a plurality of members received along said leads and secured atopposite ends to adjacent leads, said members being substantiallyperpendicular to said flanges and being spaced apart in both axial andhelical directions, whereby each member is spaced apart from alladjacent members, said members rigidifying said element and limitingaxial compression thereof.

12. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 11wherein said element is a textile carrrer.

13. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 11wherein two helical leads are provided.

14. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 11wherein said element is molded and said flanges, leads and members areintegral.

15. An axially compressible tubular element comprismg:

a. a pair of annular end flanges and at least one intermediate annularflange;

b. a plurality of helical leads received between each two adjacentflanges, whereby each intermediate flange has a plurality of leadssecured to opposite sides thereof; and

c. a plurality of members received along said leads and secured atopposite ends to adjacent leads, said members being substantiallyperpendicular to said flanges and being spaced apart in both axial andhelical directions, whereby each member is spaced apart from alladjacent members, said members ric. a plurality of members integral withsaid leads, said members being positioned between adjacent leads andintegral with both and being spaced apart in both axial and helicaldirections, whereby each member is spaced apart from all adjacentmembers, said leads adjacent said members being thickened and taperingdownwardly away from said members.

a, 1 TED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent NO.Dated August 6,

l Robert L. Burchette, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In'Column 8, line 9, please delete "lead" and insert thereforuads".

In Column 8, line 17, please delete "to" and insert therefortwo n InColumn 8, line 31, please delete "11.".

In Column 8, line 32, before "axially", please insert--An-.

Signed ad eealed this 5th day of November 1974.

(5L) Atteet:

@6035 Mo GEBSON o C. MARSHALL DANN attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents 3 FORM PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 603764 69 9 us. GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: l9, 0-366-88,

1. An axially compressible tubular element comprising: a. a pair ofannular flanges; b. a helical lead received between said flanges; and c.a plurality of members received along said lead, said members beingsecured at opposite ends to adjacent helical portions of said lead, saidmembers being substantially perpendicular to said flanges, said membersfurther being spaced apart in both axial and helical directions, wherebyeach member is spaced apart from all adjacent members, and said elementis capable of limited axial compression.
 2. An axially compressibletubular element as defined in claim 1 wherein said flanges are endflanges.
 3. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim1 wherein said lead is thickened adjacent said members and tapersdownwardly away from said members.
 4. An axially compressible tubularelement as defined in claim 1 wherein said lead is generally trapezoidalin cross section.
 5. An axially compressible tubular element as definedin claim 1 wherein said element is molded and all portions thereof areintegral.
 6. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim1 comprising further filter paper holding means secured to said element.7. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 1 whereinguide means are provided to preclude radial movement during compression.8. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim 7 whereinsaid guide means comprise axial slots in certain of said members andlead adjacent thereto and a post receivable in said slots uponcompression of said element.
 9. An axially compressible tubular elementcomprising: a. a pair of annular end flanges and at least oneintermediate annular flange; b. at least one helical lead being receivedbetween each to adjacent flanges, whereby each intermediate flange hasat least one lead secured to opposite sides thereof; and c. a pluralityof members received along each lead, said members being secured atopposite ends to adjacent helical lead portions, said members beingsubstantially perpendicular to said flanges, said members further beingspaced apart in both axial and helical directions whereby each member isspaced apart from all adjacent members and said element is capable oflimited axial compression.
 10. An axially compressible tubular elementas defined in claim 9 wherein said element is of integral construction.11.
 11. axially compressible tubular element comprising: a. a pair ofannular flanges; b. a plurality of helical leads received between saidflanges; and c. a plurality of members received along said leads andsecured at opposite ends to adjacent leads, said members beingsubstantially perpendicular to said flanges and being spaced apart inboth axial and helical directions, whereby each member is spaced apartfrom all adjacent members, said members rigidifying said element andlimiting axial compression thereof.
 12. An axially compressible tubularelement as defined in claim 11 wherein said element is a textilecarrier.
 13. An axially compressible tubular element as defined in claim11 wherein two helical leads are provided.
 14. An axially compressibletubular element as defined in claim 11 wherein said element is moldedand said flanges, leads and members are integral.
 15. An axiallycompressible tubular element comprising: a. a pair of annular endflanges and at least one intermediate annular flange; b. a plurality ofhelical leads recEived between each two adjacent flanges, whereby eachintermediate flange has a plurality of leads secured to opposite sidesthereof; and c. a plurality of members received along said leads andsecured at opposite ends to adjacent leads, said members beingsubstantially perpendicular to said flanges and being spaced apart inboth axial and helical directions, whereby each member is spaced apartfrom all adjacent members, said members rigidifying said element andlimiting axial compression thereof.
 16. An axially compressible tubularelement as defined in claim 15 wherein said element is of integralconstruction.
 17. A textile carrier comprising: a. a pair of annular endflanges; b. a plurality of helical leads integral with said end flangesand forming helices therebetween; and c. a plurality of members integralwith said leads, said members being positioned between adjacent leadsand integral with both and being spaced apart in both axial and helicaldirections, whereby each member is spaced apart from all adjacentmembers, said leads adjacent said members being thickened and taperingdownwardly away from said members.